The spelling of the phrase "long faced" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as lɔŋ feɪst. In this transcription, the "l" represents the voiceless alveolar lateral approximant, while "ɔŋ" stands for the combination of the open-mid back rounded vowel and the velar nasal. "Feɪst" indicates the long "a" sound in "face" and the voiceless alveolar fricative "s" sound. Together, these symbols capture the exact pronunciation of the words, reflecting the English language's nuanced phonetic complexities.
"Long-faced" is an adjective used to describe someone who appears sad, despondent, or somber. It refers to a person's facial expression, particularly when their face looks elongated or stretched downward, conveying a sense of sadness or disappointment. This term originates from the literal observation that someone's face appears longer when they are feeling melancholic or troubled.
The phrase can also be applied metaphorically, not solely in reference to physical appearances. It can describe an overall demeanor or mood of someone who seems downcast, dejected, or disheartened. When someone is said to be long-faced, they might show signs of deep thought, contemplation, or a sense of ongoing worry, causing their face to look longer than usual.
However, it is important to note that the term is subjective and can be interpreted differently based on cultural or individual perspectives. Some individuals may have naturally elongated faces, giving a long-faced appearance regardless of their emotional state. Hence, the context and surrounding cues should be considered when using or interpreting the phrase "long-faced" to avoid any miscommunication or misinterpretation.
The etymology of the phrase "long-faced" can be traced back to the Old English word "lang", meaning "long" or "lengthy", and "fæced", meaning "faced" or "having a face". The combination of these two words forms the phrase "long-faced", which is used to describe someone with a sad or gloomy expression.